Luxury hotel to replace Family Court

PHILADELPHIA In another major project for the Logan Square neighborhood, Mayor Nutter is expected to announce Tuesday that Kimpton Hotels will open a luxury hotel in the Family Court building at 1801 Vine St., according to people familiar with the project.

Kimpton is working on the project with Peebles Corp. of New York City and local developers P&A Associates.

The Kimpton group was one of three that submitted proposals for converting the 73-year-old building into a hotel.

R. Donahue Peebles, founder of Peebles Corp., could not be reached for comment Monday.

In an earlier interview, he said the project would cost about $85 million. It would include 199 rooms, a 3,500-square-foot ballroom, meeting and board rooms, a spa and fitness center, and a restaurant and bar.

P&A is best known for developing the Murano condominiums at 21st and Market Streets and the St. James luxury rental apartment house on Washington Square.

The Family Court building, owned by the city, is next door to the Central Library of the Free Library. Only Juvenile Court currently operates from the building. Those courtrooms will soon move to a new Family Court location at 15th and Arch Streets.

With the recent addition of the Barnes Foundation on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and the new Mormon temple going up across the street from Family Court, the Logan Square area is witnessing increased development.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced its plans last week to build a high-rise residential tower in the area.

Two other groups had competed for the Family Court project, one aligned with developer Ken Goldenberg, the other with developer Carl Dranoff.

The exterior of Family Court has been under the protection of the Historical Commission since 1971. Much of the interior, including all 37 murals, plus many lighting fixtures and other details, including handrails and duct grilles, was designated historically significant in 2011.

The Kimpton group would be required to protect the building's historical features.

Source: Philly.com